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Speaking to MailOnline today, Izzard said: 'As someone who was born in Yemen, I took political advice before deciding to perform a show in Tel Aviv, Israel.

'I came to the conclusion that as there are many different feelings on this subject and that if I was trying to be balanced, I should do something in Israel and something in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as well.

The left-wing comedian performed at a gig in Tel Aviv last night

'So, as someone who is well known for my comedy and my marathon running, I decided to perform the show in Tel Aviv and also run the Palestine Marathon in Bethlehem.

'I have now performed my show in Tel Aviv but even though the Palestinian Authority are allowing me to run in the Palestine Marathon, others do not want me to run.

'All I wanted to do was to try and bring a little extra focus to the Palestine Marathon and to the situation there. But if they would rather I didn't, I'm fine with that.

'But good luck to all the runners and I hope they run great marathons.'

A prominent supporter of the Labour Party, Izzard campaigned vocally to stay in the European Union and often speaks at rallies.

Around 5,500 people are due to run the marathon, organisers said.

A movement named Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) calls for a cultural boycott of Israel until it ends its occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Runners today take part in the fifth Palestine marathon, the racing rout which extends over 42,195 KM

Runners compete in the race today in the annual 'Right to Movement Palestine Marathon'